Pulse oximetry sensor including stored sensor data

Abstract

A pulse oximeter sensor may include reusable and disposable portions, and may include a connector adapted to electrically communicate with a physiological measurement instrument. Instrument port is in communication with the connector and provides communication with a sensor memory capable of storing sensor data, such as, for example, calibration data, emitter specifications, manufacturing data, and the like.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A noninvasive optical sensor configured to noninvasively monitor one or more physiological parameters of a wearer of the optical sensor, the optical sensor comprising:
 a plurality of emitters; 
 a detector configured to detect light attenuated by body tissue of a wearer of the optical sensor; 
 an emitter input configured to supply an emitter drive signal to the plurality of emitters; 
 a memory device; and 
 a communication device configured to receive sensor data to be stored in the memory device, wherein the communication device is configured to receive the sensor data over the emitter input. 
 
     
     
       2. The optical sensor of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor data comprises calibration data. 
     
     
       3. The optical sensor of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor data comprises data indicative of parameters of the plurality of emitters. 
     
     
       4. The optical sensor of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor data comprises data indicative of a manufacturer of the optical sensor. 
     
     
       5. The optical sensor of  claim 1 , wherein the communication device is configured to receive the sensor data from an attached oximeter. 
     
     
       6. The optical sensor of  claim 1 , wherein the communication device is configured to receive the sensor data at least during a startup process. 
     
     
       7. The optical sensor of  claim 1 , wherein the communication device is configured to receive the sensor data at least during a calibration process. 
     
     
       8. The optical sensor of  claim 1 , wherein the communication device is configured to receive the sensor data at least during an initialization process. 
     
     
       9. The optical sensor of  claim 1 , wherein the communication device is configured to receive the sensor data at least during a re-initialization process. 
     
     
       10. The optical sensor of  claim 1 , wherein the communication device is configured to receive the sensor data at least during testing. 
     
     
       11. A method of providing accurate data about an attached sensor to an oximeter system, the method comprising:
 accessing a memory on a noninvasive optical sensor capable of detecting light attenuated by body tissue, the optical sensor including a plurality of emitters and the memory capable of storing accurate data indicative of one or more characteristics of the optical sensor, wherein said accessing comprises accessing through an input to the plurality of emitters; and 
 storing said accurate data on said memory. 
 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 11 , further comprising reading said accurate data from said memory. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 12 , wherein said reading comprises accessing said memory through said input to the plurality of emitters. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 12 , wherein said storing comprises accessing said memory through said input to the plurality of emitters. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 11 , wherein the accurate data comprises calibration data. 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 11 , wherein the accurate data comprises data indicative of parameters of the plurality of emitters. 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 11 , wherein the accurate data comprises data indicative of a manufacturer of the noninvasive optical sensor. 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 11 , wherein the storing occurs during an initialization process. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 11 , wherein the storing occurs during sensor testing. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 19 , wherein the testing occurs at the manufacturer. 
     
     
       21. A noninvasive optical sensor comprising:
 means for storing data pertaining to specifications of an optical sensor capable of noninvasively outputting a signal indicative of one or more parameters of a wearer of the optical sensor, wherein the means for storing comprises means for accessing a memory on the optical sensor through an input to a plurality of emitters; and 
 means for accessing said stored data to determine said specifications. 
 
     
     
       22. The optical sensor of  claim 21 , wherein said data comprises calibration data. 
     
     
       23. The optical sensor of  claim 21 , wherein said data comprises data indicative of parameters of the plurality of emitters. 
     
     
       24. The optical sensor of  claim 21 , wherein said data comprises data indicative of a manufacturer of the noninvasive optical sensor.